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Thinkware U3000 Pro: two-minute review
Thinkware recently introduced the U3000 Pro dash cam as a more powerful version of the existing U3000 model. The company is already known for producing some best dvrs exists, but this model goes one step further with support for connected services. Anyone who wants to be able to monitor their car remotely will find that this is now possible with the Thinkware U3000 Pro with an optional LTE module that will be sold separately.
It's a slightly different camera that's worth noting: the front has a slender shape that's neatly raised and out of the way of the windshield. This can be a blessing for those with a small viewing area at the front. There's no built-in screen, however, meaning setup, customization, and day-to-day file management mostly need to be done in collaboration with the Thinkware app. The app is solid and gets the job done, and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi take care of the connectivity part of the equation without much hassle.
Like most modern DVR models, this device can be further improved with an optional wired connection kit. Integrated into your vehicle's electrical system, this specification is complemented by intelligent parking modes that enhance the appeal of the U3000 Pro. Features including built-in radar and Super Night Vision 4.0, which harness the power of Starvis sensors, further enhance the appeal.
Meanwhile, ADAS (advanced driver assistance) tools and built-in GPS mean the Thinkware U3000 Pro dashcam doesn't need anything. However, it comes at a higher price and for those who prefer a rear screen on their dash cam, it may not fit the bill at all.
Thinkware U3000 Pro: Pricing and Availability
The Thinkware U3000 Pro DVR is available now, priced at $429.99 / £399 for the single-channel U3000 Pro (approximately AU$800). Meanwhile, the dual-channel option costs $549.99 / £479 (about AU$960). This makes it a premium model, with many competing models to choose from, including the one above. 70may 4K T800. Anyone who wants a similar dash cam but doesn't need the extra features might prefer to just stick with the original U3000 model, which can currently be found discounted at some retailers.
Thinkware U3000 Pro: Specifications
|
Video |
Front: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160p) at 30fps or QHD (2560 x 1440p) at 60fps |
|
Field of View (FOV) |
147 degrees front/156 degrees rear |
|
Storage |
MicroSD up to 512 GB, Cloud |
|
GPS |
Yes |
|
Parking mode |
Yes, with DC power cable, not included |
|
Application support |
Thinkware app |
|
Dimensions |
69.8 x 102.6 x 55.5 mm / 2.75 x 4.04 x 2.19 inches |
|
Weight |
0.31 lb / 140.7 g front / 0.09 lb 41.1 g rear |
|
Battery |
No |
Thinkware U3000 Pro: design
Thinkware took a slightly different route when developing the U3000 Pro. While many dash cams have a square or rectangular shape, the main unit of the U3000 Pro is a little fancier. The front of the body is where most of the body is located as this is where the lens is located. This is an interesting idea in itself as its angle can be adjusted to suit the angle of different windshields. I found it very difficult to adjust at first, but I think this prevents it from changing position due to vibration or rough roads.
The back of the camera body is thinner and contains a microSD card slot and ports for cables. There's a bracket at the top that fits over the body when it's taken out of the package and has a self-adhesive gasket that sticks to either the static sheet or directly to the windshield. I think the design works quite well, with the form factor not being as overtly dash cam-like as some competitors. Convenient for those who want to look discreet.
On the underside of the camera, facing down from the roof, there are three illuminated indicators that show BT/Wi-Fi, Rec and GPS from left to right. This panel also contains physical buttons—Record, Power, Wireless, and Microphone icons—that are used when manual intervention is required. However, the easiest way to get set up is to do everything through the Thinkware companion app.
Thinkware has kept the rear camera design blocky and, again, I really like the rectangular shape used here as it differs from many barrel-shaped devices out there. The rear camera is connected to the front main unit using a decent length cable. Meanwhile, my test unit arrived with a 12V cable connector that could be plugged into a standard car power port. An alternative is to purchase the version with the wired connection kit, which unlocks the additional features mentioned above.
Thinkware U3000 Pro: Performance
It took me several attempts to successfully connect the Thinkware U3000 Pro dash cam to my iPhone, due to some reason, possibly a problem with the wireless connection. Once that was resolved, I was able to easily control the camera and its functions using the options it contains. Of course, one potential downside to this model is the lack of a built-in screen. However, the app instead allowed me to adjust the camera angle correctly, showing a view of the hood of my car. These camera buttons were also useful for basic tasks, but the app will be fine for most users.
While running, the Thinkware U3000 Pro DVR did its job without fuss, and the red record button let me know it was recording content as expected. After using it for a bit, I took a video of the card and tested it. I'll admit that the winter conditions weren't the best for capturing good video, but overall I thought the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam was a bit average. This was certainly clear, but the dark winter conditions seemed to spoil the overall look of the content.
Nor did it seem to be as good at capturing low-light content, and highlighting details, including license plates, was less impressive than other models I've tried. This is a bit surprising considering this model uses Sony's ever-popular Starvis hardware. I felt that the details (such as GPS data, speed, etc.) added to the bottom of the footage were also a little thin, especially compared to the competition, although the Wi-Fi and GPS functions worked as expected on this model. Overall, the Thinkware U3000 Pro DVR performed well, but not as well as I had hoped.
One important thing to note is that anyone who wants to enjoy parking monitoring will have to do so using the additional wired connection kit. This increases the package's potential, especially for those who want additional parking features that can be unlocked by going the wire route.
Is Thinkware U3000 Pro worth buying?
Buy if…
Don't buy it if…
How I tested the Thinkware U3000 Pro
- I installed the dash cam in the car for an initial period of three weeks.
- I've used it for a variety of day and night rides in all kinds of weather.
- I connected it to my phone and downloaded the recordings to check the quality.
I tested the Thinkware U3000 Pro dash cam for several weeks, including using it in a test car and in a variety of weather conditions. This allowed me to try out all the features and functions, with the exception of the wired options since power is provided through the 12V power port.
I also downloaded the Thinkware app which came installed on the iPhone 17 and was used during the setup process as well as for file management. The Wi-Fi connection between the main camera and the app was also tested, which given the size of 4K video files was an important part of the testing procedure, and everything worked as expected.
- First inspection: December 2025
